Why are Drug Scandals Prominent Among Korean Artists?

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Why are drug scandals prominent among Korean artists such as G-dragon Lee Sun Kyun and Yoo Ah In

The past few weeks have been worrisome for the South Korean industry as well-known celebrities are getting roped into drug scandals. Recently, rapper and former leader of BIGBANG, G-Dragon, was booked without detention for a suspected breach of Narcotics Control Law (he has denied the accusation). This news has added him to the list of celebrities who are receiving criticism for suspected drug use, including Hallyu actors Lee Sun Kyun (Parasite) and Yoo Ah In (Burning).

Ever since, many allegations have surfaced online accusing reputable names of partaking in illegal drug activities. Entertainment agencies such as BIGHIT Music, SOURCE Music, CUBE Entertainment, and YG Entertainment have come forward to refute malicious rumors and threat legal actions involving their artists BTS, LE SSERAFIM, (G)I-DLE, and BLACKPINK.

While the South Korean entertainment industry is dealing with growing anxiety and concerns, many international fans have been wondering why the cases are so prominent for the artists. They have also expressed their query of why the legal punishment and social backlash is so severe in the country. To better understand it, let’s dive deeper into the drug scandals, the law, and the other dynamics of the controversies.

Why are drug scandals taken seriously in South Korea?

If you are a fan of K-pop or K-dramas, then you might be aware that South Korean celebrities are considered idol figures in the country. They are allocated strict rules of conduct as public representatives, and as narcotics are illegal, drug scandals are considered grievous crimes.

Subsequently, scandals involving the A-list stars, the face of the nation, are bound to send shockwaves through the industry. To elaborate, fans did not expect to hear that Lee Sun Kyun is suspected of having connections with adult entertainment establishments and drug dealers.

It was also shocking to learn that Lee Sun Kyun is being investigated, along with former K-pop trainee Han Seo Hee and conglomerate Hwang Ha Na, infamous for running into law over drug scandals.

K-pop artist G-Dragon, who is celebrated for spearheading a whole generation of music, is not expected to give in to the temptations of drugs. Although he had admitted to accidentally smoking a marijuana cigarette at a club in Japan in 2011, the recent allegations are shocking for the fans.

The Impact on the South Korean Entertainment Industry

The drug scandals of prominent Korean artists not only affect them individually but also the industry. Local retail companies cut their ties with Yoo Ah In after he was suspected of illegally using propofol in the first half of the year.

Netflix’s horror series ‘Hellbound’ replaced the star with Kim Sung-cheol (Our Beloved Summer) for the much-awaited second season. The release of his drama ‘Goodbye Earth’ was also postponed during the investigation.

Similarly, Lee Sun Kyun, who was about to begin shooting for the mystery thriller drama ‘No Way Out’ stepped down from the role. Brands started to cut ties with the actor and his wife, Jeon Hye Jin, out of fear of getting backlash for supporting illegal drug use.

The Scandals’ Effect on Careers in the Industry

As Korean artists are scrutinized to make sure they always have a clean image, there are many scandals, including dating, plagiarism, supporting feminism, and more, which impact their careers. However, cases that are against the law, such as school violence, se*ual misconduct, drunk driving, and drug scandals, are taken particularly seriously.

Such scandals can result in the loss of projects, exclusion from the industry, and backlash from fans and citizens. Many times, big issues have resulted in the retirement of the celebrity. However, there have been cases when stars have managed to return to the industry after repentance of their choices.

  • Some examples include actor Ju Ji Hoon (Hyena), who was sentenced in 2009 for abuse of ecstasy and ketamine. During the investigation, he confessed to the offense despite testing negative on the tests because he felt embarrassed for his actions and believed he should pay the price.
  • Ha Jung Woo (Narco-Saints) was sentenced to a fine in 2021 for using propofol two years ago. He, too, expressed feeling responsible for his actions and decided to dedicate himself to acting.

  • A former member of BIGBANG T.O.P received a suspended prison sentence in 2017 for using marijuana. He expressed guilt for participating in the illegal activity and returned to the business after serving in the military service before resigning from his group.
  • The globally famous star PSY was arrested and sentenced to 25 days in prison for carrying and consuming cannabis in 2001. He was also recently rumored to be involved in a drug scandal for which he has released a statement promising legal action.
  • Former iKON member B.I was sentenced to three years of prison sentence on three counts of marijuana use and one count of purchasing LSD. After completing his sentence, the star returned to the industry with sorrow and hope to win trust through his music. He established his agency 131 and released a charity single album ‘Midnight Blue (Love Streaming)’ and a full-length charity album ‘Waterfall’ in 2021.

Are drugs a big problem in South Korea in 2023?

One of the reasons that the recent drug probes of A-listers are getting so much public attention is the rising threat of narcotics in the nation. In April 2023, methamphetamines and ecstasy-laced drink was provided to students outside of cram schools in Gangnam. The distributors wanted to extort money from the parents by threatening to frame the students in drug cases.

As per the Supreme Prosecutors Office, there has been a 30% rise in drug offenses in the past five years. The number of cases has risen from 14,123 in 2017 to 18,395 in 2022. These numbers are also increasing in 2023, with major offenders falling in the age group of 39 and younger. The cases of teenage offenders have also risen.

Which drugs are illegal in South Korea?

South Korea has one of the strictest drug prevention laws as it has strived to remain a drug-free country by closely monitoring drug usage in the country. Hospitals are also not allowed to distribute large amounts of drugs. They are particularly strict with the laws of narcotics by making it illegal to use in the country and outside.

Marijuana is prohibited for Koreans even in the countries that have legalized it. Other narcotics, such as opium and psychotropic substances, are banned in the country. There is a saying that the only drug legal in South Korea is music and art.

How are they managing the narcotics threat?

Seoul Law Group mentions the standard of sentences according to the Korean Sentencing Commission. Depending on the individual cases, they can be higher or lower, but they are particularly strict regarding drug offenses. If an individual has smoked thrice a day, those are considered three offenses.

Most of the illegal use of drugs such as cannabis, psychotropic substances, and narcotic drugs receive a minimum of a one-year sentence. The manufacturing, importing, and distributing of the drugs can result in as much as seven to eleven years of conviction.

Rehabilitation for drug addicts in South Korea

The few options for rehabilitation in South Korea have remained a topic in the nation and on a global level. As per the coverage by Reuters, there are less than ten rehabilitation centers in South Korea. Although the laws for punishing drug offenders are strict, first or second-time offenders receive suspensions but no treatment.

The golden time for rehabilitation is after the first run-in with the drugs. However, the treatment requires ‘an iron hand in velvet glove’ approach where the focus is on the treatment and rehabilitation of the drug user rather than just punishment and education.

As the availability of drugs rises, it becomes more and more difficult for the individuals who have the addiction to break through and return to society. As the offense is taken seriously by the community, the individuals become victims of prejudices and ostracization. Therefore, proper treatment and rehabilitation are necessary to control the narcotics threat completely.

Korean Entertainment’s role in the awareness of narcotics

The entertainment industry always plays an essential role in shaping and influencing the society. As celebrities are considered public figures, and the dramas & movies reflect society it has the power to send message to many people.

Recently, the K-drama ‘Strong Girl Nam Soon‘ has received praise for dealing with the topic of narcotics amid the rising number of offenses. Previously, the K-drama ‘Prison Playbook‘ also highlighted the importance of protecting, treating, and rehabilitating drug addicts in the tragic ending of Yoo Han-yang, played by Lee Kyu Hyung.

The ongoing cases of Yoo Ah In and Lee Sun Kyun should remain not only as drug scandals but as a reminder that narcotics are dangerous substances, and abusing them can have serious reparations. They should also highlight that individuals who have fallen into the darkness of this shouldn’t be left into it with punishments but instead given a hand to come out of it and receive treatment and proper rehabilitation to become a drug-free country once again.

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